Learn about obstructive sleep apnea and how it affects Los Angeles residents in their day to day lives

By Downtown Dental

Los Angeles, CA area patients who have been diagnosed with a sleeping disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may not realize that their dentist can help with treatment. These patients are often not readily aware of how obstructive sleep apnea affects these residents and their day-to-day lives. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that needs to be better understood so patients can realize the benefits of treatment to improve their overall quality of living.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Dr. Don Mungcal of Downtown Dental describes obstructive sleep apnea as a sleep disorder that is caused by a blockage in the airway. This blockage results in patients being unable to breath sometimes hundreds of times in one night. This can cause patients to wake up frequently and have difficulty reaching the restorative levels of sleep they need to feel and function at their best every day.

Symptoms of OSA

Some of the more common signs that patients may be experiencing obstructive sleep apnea include the following.

It can be difficult to pinpoint when patients have obstructive sleep apnea, but it is often noticed by sleeping partners who pick up on the difficulty patients are having during the night. These symptoms may also be noticed with other medical conditions. Speaking to a physician about getting a sleep study performed to check for this condition is often encouraged for patients worried they may be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. It is easy to see how obstructive sleep apnea affects Los Angeles residents’ day-to-day lives, as it can make them tired, irritable, and result in difficulty completing their jobs or daily activities. It also puts patients at risk for a variety of conditions due to the fact that they are unable to reach the restorative REM stage of sleep that is required to feel their best.

How can a dentist help?

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction in the airways. This may be a result of many issues. It may be caused by excess fat in the neck area closing down on the throat, a poorly aligned jaw, or even the tongue falling back into the throat and blocking the breathing airways. Whatever the cause, a dentist can help. While physicians will often start patients on treatment with a CPAP device, many patients do not comply with the use of this device because they find it uncomfortable. The CPAP machine is worn at night over the nose and mouth to help patients keep their airways open throughout their sleep. However, many patients find it noisy and uncomfortable and fail to use it regularly, even though it is effective.

Instead, a dentist such as Dr. Don Mungcal can fabricate a special mouth guard that is worn at night to keep the jaw aligned and the airways open for the same positive effect. This treatment is more desirable by our patients because it is more comfortable. The mouth guard is easy to wear and take care of, making it convenient for patients to comply with their treatment.

How can I obtain oral appliance therapy with my dentist?

First, consult with Dr. Don Mungcal after getting a proper diagnosis from your physician. Then, a series of impressions are taken to fabricate a mouth guard that fits precisely for optimum comfort. Patients then use their special oral appliance each and every night to allow them to reach REM sleep to look and feel their best each and every day.

Dr. Don Mungcal and the staff at Downtown Dental have committed themselves to helping patients with a wide range of oral health issues. We welcome patients in and around the community to consider the advantages of treatment with our team. Call our practice today by calling (213) 863-9464 and visit the office at 255 South Grand Avenue, Suite 204 in Los Angeles, CA. We welcome new and existing patients into our practice for general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care.

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"I am a legit Patient at this practice. The Doctor is amazing - educated, skilled and patient. Allison, my Dental Hygienist, is really friendly, knowledgeable and proactive about her patients' oral health. In my experience, the office staff at Downtown Dental is always professional, friendly, and thoughtful about my time. Plus, they offer reasonable financing! If you're honest about your budget (for people like me who don't have dental insurance), they can often work with you to stay within budget. I also learned that they use the best equipment in their field and staff gets training often on new dental techniques. If you are someone who works, resides or likes to visit Downtown - this is an especially excellent place to see the dentist periodically.

Downtown Dental is a fantastic Dental practice in the heart of the city. They are located near LA's Cultural hub of museums, concert halls and the like (The Broad, MOCA + more ). But don't let all that (magic) discourage you from making your appointment, because traffic is usually very smooth on Grand and getting in and out of their secure and validated parking lot (in their building) is a breeze. They also have 2 e-car charging stations if that's how you roll. If you work in DTLA, like many, you can even get a lunchtime cleaning!

Sidebar: The office is located inside a gorgeous apartment building, full of high end furnishings, accentuated with stunning street art. You may have even passed by & seen the Subway flags at street level- the dental office is right upstairs. It's worth a try, especially if you want great oral health, love art, culture and the city!"

Downtown Dental

Denise S.5

Aug 1, 2016

"Still the best I've ever been to! The entire staff is more than knowledgeable & helpful!

Don't waste your time going to other places, this dentist & his team are your best bet!

They are courteous, flexible, and above all: PROFESSIONAL."

Downtown Dental

Allison C.5

Sep 23, 2016

"What an amazing staff and dental team!!

I had four front crowns and 2 root canals done all in about 3 hours! It was pain free! Dr Mungcal was fast and I didn't feel a thing! People compliment my teeth all the time! ...Little do they know they're fake! Very grateful!!! I am in Invisalign now and love how it stopped me from clenching and grinding my teeth! My teeth and gums are healthy because of all the amazing dental work they have done and continue to do!! Oh ...And they offered nitrous which made the whole experience awesome! Go here if you want dental work done right!!"

Downtown Dental

Amanda C.5

Sep 28, 2016

"Downtown dental made my cavity experience as painless as possible, and the technology they use is so up to date and accurate.

The staff are also very friendly and know the best habits for having a healthy mouth.
So glad I started going here!"

Downtown Dental

Natalia B.5

Sep 27, 2016

"Absolutely the best dental office! In all reality I used to hate going to the dentist I would cancel my appointments at my old Drs office all the time !! But the Hygienists and the staff in general are so welcoming and make you wanna keep coming back. They are always ready to deliver and Allison did an amazing job on my teeth cleaning thank you for that"

Downtown Dental

Angelika M.5

Sep 23, 2016

"This review is long overdue. I've been a patient at downtown dental since 2005 and have had nothing but positive experiences. I've had quite a bit of dental work and when I had a cracked crown recently, they scheduled me the next day and replaced it at no charge. They would have scheduled me that day but sadly, I'm no longer a patient as I've moved to NorCal. I felt like they really went out of the way to accommodate me and I appreciate that! Thanks guys!!"

Downtown Dental

Andra P.5

Sep 23, 2016

"Great practice, the doctors and assistants are very professional, helpful and pleasant. They make dental appointments almost enjoyable...not something I thought possible!

Katie the hygienist is not only gentle, professional and very professional but also inspiring. She makes you want to have the best gums in Los Angeles.

Thank you guys!"

Downtown Dental

Gretchen P.5

Sep 16, 2016

"The team at Downtown Dental are the best! They have done both an implant and Invisalign for me. They keep me informed about all the steps and always get me in and out quickly! I love that they can do everything right in their own offices too."

Downtown Dental

Tanya M.5

Sep 18, 2016

"My story is: I chipped a took eating cereal! Who does that!?! (The cereal was crunchy I'll admit). I went to Downtown Dental and Dr. Mungcal evaluated my situation and realized my bite needed to be adjusted. I grind my teeth at night also so the combination of it all was wearing my teeth down. He recommended invisalign to align my bite. I was hesitant because it's pricey but...trust me...it was SO WORTH IT!!! 8 months later, my bite is fixed and aligned and my teeth are straighter which is a bonus! I am only 34 and I want to keep my teeth healthy and strong for a long time! Dr. Mungcal and the entire staff are amazing and took GREAT care of me. You can rest assured you will be taken care of by them!"

Downtown Dental

Yesenia E.5

Sep 4, 2016

"Came to downtown dental with my husband for his first dental implant. He was very nervous on getting this procedure done.. From his experience he said the staff were super friendly made him feel very welcomed..the dentist made his procedure quick and painless my husband didn't even need his medication for the swelling or pain ... Highly recommend... We Will be coming here from now on for our dental needs."